West Wants Escalation of War? Russia Slams ATACMS Attack On Bryansk Region; FM Lavrov Says
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has condemned Ukraine’s recent use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike the Bryansk region, asserting that this action signifies an escalation of the conflict orchestrated by Western nations. During a press conference in Rio de Janeiro, Lavrov stated, “The fact that ATACMS were used repeatedly in the Bryansk region overnight is, of course, a signal that they want escalation”. He emphasized that such advanced weaponry could not be operated without American support, indicating a direct involvement of the US in the ongoing hostilities.
This missile strike marks a significant development as it represents the first known deployment of ATACMS missiles by Ukraine since the US lifted restrictions on their use against targets within Russia. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that six missiles were launched, with five intercepted by their defense systems, causing damage to a military facility but no casualties. Lavrov characterized this incident as a “qualitatively new phase of the Western war against Russia,” suggesting that Moscow would respond accordingly to this perceived escalation.
The backdrop to this escalation includes a recent policy shift by President Joe Biden, who authorized the use of long-range missiles to allow Ukraine to target deeper into Russian territory. This decision has been met with caution from various quarters, as it risks provoking further military responses from Russia. In light of these developments, Lavrov reiterated that the use of Western weapons against Russian territory could lead to direct US involvement in the conflict, raising concerns over potential nuclear responses from Moscow given its revised nuclear doctrine.
